Petrochemical preparedness: Perimeter Solutions on the fluorine free foam transition

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

James Perriss, Director of Product Management at Perimeter Solutions, evaluates fluorine free foam adoption for petrochemical teams

Petrochemical facilities operate under constant threat of fire.

Large volumes of highly flammable liquid fuels are stored in massive atmospheric tanks, exposed to extreme operating conditions such as high temperatures, heavy mechanical stress and ever-present ignition risks such as static discharge and lightning strikes.

In this environment, even a minor error or ignition source can escalate into a potentially catastrophic incident within minutes.

In fact, earlier this year, a major fire broke out at the Al Hamriyah fuel depot in Sharjah, UAE.

Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the event once again underscored the critical importance of preparedness and high-performance firefighting resources in the petrochemical sector.

Rapid containment was possible thanks to the expertise and readiness of the on-site emergency response team.

Incidents like these highlight the importance of using the right resources to quickly control and suppress liquid fuel fires in high-risk petrochemical environments.

As the oil and gas industry embraces more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, the transition from fluorinated firefighting foams to fluorine-free formulations is accelerating.

While some firefighting veterans have expressed concerns about whether these foams are as effective as the fluorinated solutions they replace, firefighters are starting to gain firsthand experience on the continued high level of performance of leading fluorine-free foams.

This article examines the real-world adoption of fluorine-free foam in petrochemical fire protection, highlighting practical considerations for implementation, application rates, foam logistics, large-scale product testing and certifications and real-world examples of facilities successfully using these solutions.

Planning for petrochemical facility fires

The first step in preparing for a potential incident is determining the appropriate application rate based on hazard, fuel and requirements in conjunction with the available equipment and systems at a facility.

From there, facilities can determine the optimal foam formulation and design the logistics needed to ensure fast, effective deployment if a fuel spill or fire occurs.

Successfully containing and extinguishing fires at petrochemical facilities requires careful logistical planning and coordination, as well as premium products and well-trained fire emergency teams.

Engineered fixed systems are often the primary protection, integrated with emergency mobile, high-volume firefighting resources, including large flow monitor trailers, high-volume pumps and submersible pumps, tanker trucks, hose lines and foam proportioning equipment.

Access to vast amounts of water is equally important—especially for large-scale incidents involving storage tanks, fuel bunds, or process units.

That water is needed to mix with foam concentrate to apply as finished foam to control and suppress fuel spills, vapour control and extinguishment.

For example, in some scenarios, delivering more than 40,000 liters per minute (10000 GPM) of foam solution through a single high-flow mobile monitor may be necessary to cover the largest tank on site.

Modern fluorine-free foams like SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ AS-100 and SOLBERG® RE-HEALING™ 3×3 SP-100 operate at application rates of 3%, while SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ 1×3 AR-SFFF has proven through significant testing to work effectively as low as 1% foam to 99% water.

This means that sites must plan not only for foam performance, but also for storage, resupply and delivery of the foam concentrate and the logistics for staging these large flow mobile monitor systems.

In large incidents involving vapour suppression and fully involved tank fire, this has often required hundreds of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and high-capacity pumping systems to be deployed

As these large fires can quickly deplete foam stocks, it is also important to consider the application rates for tank fire protection with portable, mobile and semi-fixed monitor systems, as outlined by the National Fire Protection Association in NFPA 11, which further illustrates the scale of the resources involved.

The standard recommends a minimum of 6.5 lpm/m2 for fixed roof storge tanks containing hydrocarbons for a minimum discharge time of 50 to 65 minutes (depending on hydrocarbon fuel type).

In addition, NFPA 11 clarifies that flow calculations shall include consideration for potential foam solution losses due to wind and other ambient conditions, stating a factor of 1.5 additional foam application rate used to compensate for these factors, bringing the NFPA 11 minimum design application rate to ~9.8 lpm/m2 for monitor application on fixed roof storge tanks.

Most emergency response teams handling large tank fires prefer 1×3 foam concentrates due to their efficiency and lower concentrate demand.

In large-scale incidents around the world, this has led to sites needing to stage approximately 100 IBCs of 1×3 foam.

In contrast, if a 3% foam is required, that number could triple.

While many organisations are inclined to use 3×3 foams, it’s critical to fully understand the logistical implications, particularly around storage, delivery and resupply before making a final selection.

Perimeter Solutions offers both a one percent (SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3) and three percent solutions (SOLBERG® RE-HEALING™ 3×3 SP-100 and SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ AS-100) to support these incidents.

Fluorine-free solutions for oil & gas

Perimeter Solutions is a leading developer of fluorine-free firefighting foam solutions specifically designed for petrochemical environments.

Perimeter’s SOLBERG VERSAGARD series of fluorine-free foams also offers highly effective performance for petrochemical firefighting.

SOLBERG VERSAGARD AS-100 3×3 AR-SFFF (along with its counterpart SOLBERG VERSAGARD AS-100 Freeze Protected) and SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 AR-SFFF Multipurpose Foam Concentrates are non-persistent, siloxane-free and contain no intentionally added PFAS.

Capable of suppressing Class B and deep-seated Class A fires, these biodegradable products have passed multiple large-scale fire testing programs and hold key certifications, including:

• LASTFIRE

• UL 162 Listed

• EN-1568:2018 – parts 1,2, 3 & 4
• International Maritime Organisation (IMO) MSC.1/Circ.132
• ICAO Level B
• GESIP

SOLBERG® RE-HEALING™ 3×3 Fluorine-Free SP-100 was the industry’s first UL-listed fluorine-free 3×3 foam concentrate with the full complement of hardware and sprinkler listings, including non-aspirated standard sprinkler heads.

Like the SOLBERG VERSAGARD line, it is a non-persistent, siloxane-free solution that contains no intentionally added per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Designed to extinguish and secure both Class B (hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuel) and deep-seated Class A fires, it is UL-listed, FM 5130 Approved and certified to ICAO Level B.

They are also GreenScreen® Certified Silver, reflecting their strong environmental profiles.

The performance of the SOLBERG fluorine-free Foam concentrates has made them a trusted solution for fire management teams around the world, including those at major oil companies in the Gulf, Asia Pacific region, Australia, Africa, Europe and the U.S.

One example is the selection of SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 by a UK-based petrochemical facility seeking to move away from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

A diversified energy company, it had long intended to transition to a fluorine-free foam.

However, despite the desire to make the switch, they had not yet found a fluorine-free option that matched the performance of their existing AFFF.

That changed with the introduction of SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3, which met their logistics and fuel needs with a high-performance tested alcohol-resistant synthetic fluorine-free foam (AR-SFFF).

Working with distributor Hawkes Fire and Perimeter, representatives from the energy company travelled to Perimeter’s testing facility in Spain to evaluate the performance of the alcohol-resistant concentrate.

Additional testing with LASTFIRE was also conducted at the customer’s site in the UK, to verity the performance in larger-scale tests.

Satisfied with the results, the company moved forward with the transition.

Looking ahead

Perimeter Solutions continues to develop new technology, expanding the capabilities of fluorine-free firefighting foam.

While not focused on the petrochemical space, Perimeter Solutions developed the world’s first Mil-Spec fluorine-free foam – SOLBERG® 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF,  and recently introduced SOLBERG® Evolution 3% SFFF, another ground-breaking Newtonian product used for aircraft rescue fire suppression through sprinkler applications.

It is the world’s first fluorine-free foam concentrate with Mil-Spec approval for hydrocarbon fuel fires using standard sprinkler heads.

UL-162 listed, BSS7432 and ICAO B certified with FM 5130 certification pending, it delivers fast knockdown and extinguishment of fuels, including gasoline, Jet A and Jet A-1.

Our solutions will continue to evolve along with fire safety needs for the petrochemical sector.

We remain committed to advancing the efficacy of fluorine-free foam technology and setting the benchmark for sustainable fire suppression.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Entering a new frontier: HT&K Anti-Fire takes aim at global fluorosurfactant shortages

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Dr. Thanos Karydas, Director of HT&K’s Anti-Fire Group deep dives into the fluorosurfactants industry and the importance of the search for pioneering fluorine-free formulations

Dr. Thanos Karydas, the Director of HT&K’s newly formed Anti-Fire Group, is a 40-year veteran of the fluorosurfactants business, starting with Ciba Geigy in 1983.

He is one of the three founders of Dynax in 1991 and invented more than 30 patents in the fluorocarbon field.

In this interview with International Fire and Safety Journal, Dr. Karydas shares the stories of HT&K’s origins and how they are a newcomer in supplying fluorinated surfactants to the firefighting industry.

After making a dynamic entrance, HT&K are rapidly gaining recognition and market share, now supplying to some of the largest companies in the AFFF business.

Dr. Karydas epitomises HT&K’s venture as being a “natural evolution”, one that has allowed the company to become anything but your typical fluorosurfactants producer.

Please tell us about HT&K and why they decided to enter the fluorosurfactants manufacturing business at a time when most major suppliers have exited it?

HT&K was founded in 2010 and has R&D and production facilities with 70 employees in Helon, Dongguan and Qingyuan, China.

We are one of the largest producers of fluorochemicals for textile applications.

In 2019 when the AFFF industry began experiencing fluorosurfactant supply problems, we were able to recognize this opportunity, making a venture and natural progression into fluorosurfactant production.

Can you give us an overview of the supply situation of AFFF components and why they are so important to the firefighting industry?

AFFFs are extremely effective in extinguishing all types of fuel fires and have for decades been the dominant formulations for military and industrial applications.

The key components that provide these properties to the AFFFs are fluorinated surfactants and polymers.

These were first developed by 3M in the late sixties and by 1983, when I joined Ciba Geigy’s fluorochemicals division as a young PhD, Ciba Geigy and DuPont deNemours had joined the firefighting frey, albeit with different fluorocarbon technology than 3M.

Ciba Geigy produced surfactants under the LODYNEÒ name and DuPont was participating with technology originally developed by the French company Ugine-Kuhlmann.

Up until 2000, the only significant suppliers were the above three chemical giants.

In 2001, 3M withdrew from the market because of toxicity concerns over their PFOA/PFOS-based technology and Ciba Geigy soon followed because of a change in their business direction.

In 2003, Chemguard, after purchasing the fluorosurfactant know-how from Ciba Geigy, started to produce and market the LODYNEÒ products.

At around the same time, Dynax started to produce the LODYNEÒ fluorosurfactants under the DX designation as the Ciba-Geigy patents had expired.

By 2010, we had a situation where the three major suppliers were Chemguard and Dynax with Ciba Geigy technology and Chemours with their own technology.

In round numbers, this was a $90MM/year business, with DuPont having about 45% and the other two roughly splitting the remainder.

DuPont later transferred the fluorocarbon technology to a spin-off named Chemours, which marketed the fluorosurfactants under the Capstone designation.

Between the three companies, the demand by AFFF manufacturers for fluorosurfactants was satisfied adequately and timely.

In 2017 the situation changed abruptly; the first wave of lawsuits was filed against fluorosurfactant and AFFF manufacturers and, by mid-2025, there were more than 11,000 lawsuits filed against over 25 separate companies including 3M, DuPont/Chemours, Tyco/Chemguard and Dynax.

These were based on claimed water contamination and health effects caused by PFAS, with PFOA and PFOS in center stage.

This created turmoil in the fluorosurfactant market.

Chemguard exited the business, Chemours was not taking new customers, and Dynax could not keep up with demand, as some toll manufacturers had stopped production due to litigation.

Dynax recently shifted manufacturing to a toll producer in Mexico.

Finally, in early 2025 Chemours exited the CapstoneÒ business.

Do you feel this is when HT&K recognized the opportunity?

Correct, this was a natural evolution for HT&K.

The LodyneÒ and CapstoneÒ products technology is more than 40 years old and patent-free.

HT&K has a strong and experienced R&D group with more than 100 years of combined fluorocarbon experience; integrating the fluorosurfactants available from Chemguard/Dynax and Chemours into the product line was not a daunting task.

The Anti-Fire division was formed and in 2023 sales of substitutes for the Dynax products commenced.

In 2025, as Chemours was exiting the fluorosurfactants business, HT&K Anti-Fire introduced substitutes for the two key CapstoneÒ products.

As the raw materials for fluorosurfactants production are made in Asia, HT&K has a major advantage in terms of delivery timing and cost, because they are not encumbered by tariffs and shipping duration and costs.

Why make chemically identical substitutes and not something new or proprietary?

It is important to realize that, once they develop and certify a formulation, AFFF manufacturers are essentially bound to using specific products.

Reformulation using different fluorosurfactants may be a long, expensive and often unsuccessful process.

Even if performance is acceptable, the new formulation will require recertification and as an indicator, UL certification can cost from $15,000 to more than $200,000 per product.

Multiply that by the number of products in the product line.

By offering fluorosurfactants chemically identical to those from Chemours and Dynax, HT&K Anti-Fire offers the formulators the opportunity to continue producing without the need for recertification.

There are a number of Chinese companies offering fluorosurfactants, what makes HT&K different?

HT&K is not your typical fluorosurfactants producer.

We are a company with an international and very experienced staff and access to international research institutions.

Our products are proven, direct substitutes for the Chemours and Dynax products.

Our production capacity is nearly 2,000 tons/year, enough to satisfy worldwide demand.

I understand the other Chinese manufacturers produce 30-100 tons/year.

We are unencumbered by lawsuits.

We produce in-house; we don’t use a toll manufacturer in a different country.

When the Anti-Fire division was first formed there was reluctance by AFFF manufacturers, even some based in China, to even test the products, as they had been burned before, almost literally, by testing fluorosurfactants from other Chinese manufacturers.

Two years later, we are the number one supplier in China and have made great inroads with the major companies in India and Russia, where we are rapidly gaining market share.

We are now making forays into Europe and North America.

I am convinced that within a few years we will be the leading fluorosurfactants supplier in the world.

We see that there is a large shift to fluorine-free foams in many countries –  what do you think is the medium- and long-term outlook for AFFFs?

There is no doubt that worldwide consumption of AFFFs is reduced compared to the previous decade, particularly in Europe and North America.

There has been great progress in fluorine-free foams by a number of companies, but the reality is that AFFFs offer far superior performance.

Unfortunately, there is no side-by-side comparison during catastrophic fires, so it is difficult to realize that many catastrophies could have been avoided if AFFFs had been used.

My belief is that AFFFs will be around for the foreseeable future, certainly a couple of decades; there is still unabated demand for them in Asia and significant demand in Europe and North America.

They just need to be used judiciously; the potential for environmental pollution must be weighed against the potential loss of life and property.

There are situations where rapid extinguishment is required, for example in aircraft carriers where munitions and fuel are stored.

Many governments have given ten-year exemptions when it comes to these applications so AFFFs can be used.

My analogy is that to medication- you don’t receive chemotherapy if you have a headache, but if you have cancer it is the drug of choice in spite of the side effects.

The same holds for some fires that can only be extinguished by AFFFs; the environmental damage is miniscule compare to the potential damage and pollution caused by the fire.

What do you see as the future endeavors of HT&K Anti-Fire?

There is no doubt that the fluorine-free foams are the new frontier.

The limitation currently imposed on formulators is that they have to work with commodity surfactants, typically used as shampoos and degreasers.

It is important to realize that it took years of R&D to purpose-develop the fluorosurfactants used in AFFFs and that a similar strategy must be implemented to develop the next generation of fluorine-free foams.

This is the approach we are taking at HT&K Anti-Fire, as part of our search for pioneering fluorine-free formulations.

We have already introduced performance-leading fluorine-free concentrates for lithium-ion battery fires and for gasoline and jet A fuel fires.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Two decades of growth and precision: What 20 years taught Piping Logistics about quality

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Jeroen De Smedt, CEO of Piping Logistics talks expansion, innovation and the next chapter in fire protection manufacturing

Could you introduce Piping Logistics and outline how the company has grown over the past 20 years?

Piping Logistics was founded in Belgium in 2005 as a specialist in piping systems for fire protection, HVAC and industrial applications.

What began as a small family business has grown into an international operation serving more than 60 countries.

The company has invested in people, facilities and technology, which has enabled it to move from distributing components to designing and assembling complete systems.

A major step in this journey is the new production facility in Romania, which expands manufacturing capacity and supports customers across Europe and beyond.

Despite this growth, the company’s focus remains delivering high-quality components with rapid and reliable service.

How would you describe the main stages of your development in products, people and market reach?

Our development has moved through several clear phases.

We began in 2005 as a distributor linked to AquaSecurity, supplying quality piping components to local installers.

That experience shaped our customer-focused approach and helped us understand the needs of contractors.

The second phase was the shift to manufacturing.

We established in-house R&D, hired engineers and quality specialists, and launched our Profit brand so we could design products that met European standards.

This investment in expertise was essential for our transition.

The third stage was broadening our offer.

We moved from supplying couplings and fittings to providing a full package for sprinkler and HVAC installations, including valves, switches, flexible hoses and later prefabricated sprinkler pipes.

As the range expanded, so did our workforce to maintain high service levels.

Our fourth stage was international expansion.

From serving Belgium and the Benelux region, we grew across Europe, the Middle East and other regions through distribution partners and a strengthened logistics network.

Gaining certifications such as FM, UL, VdS and CE enabled us to compete globally.

The most recent stage is marked by our 20-year milestone and the opening of our Romanian facility.

This site increases capacity, brings new colleagues into the company and positions us closer to key markets.

What does the new Romanian production facility mean for your capacity and customer service?

The Romanian facility significantly increases our capacity, particularly for prefabricated sprinkler pipes.

Producing these assemblies in Romania allows us to meet higher demand and deliver project-specific pipe sections quickly without overloading our Belgian operations.

Being closer to many European customers reduces lead times and adds resilience to our supply chain.

Clients in Central and Eastern Europe benefit from shortened transport distances, and we have greater flexibility to adjust production for urgent project needs.

The site also aligns with our sustainability goals.

Manufacturing within the EU limits transport emissions, supports compliance with environmental regulations and prepares us for future measures such as CO₂ import taxes.

The facility uses energy-efficient equipment and modern processes to reduce waste.

How has your approach to quality control, logistics and assembly evolved with this growth?

Our quality control has become more rigorous as we expanded.

We operate an ISO 9001:2015 certified system and run extensive in-house testing in our Belgian laboratory, covering pressure, dimensional and performance checks.

External certifications such as FM, UL and VdS reinforce this approach and ensure consistent standards.

Our logistics operations have grown to match our international reach.

We manage a 6,000 m² warehouse in Belgium, which holds one of Europe’s largest stocks of components and allows next-day delivery for many customers.

Advanced logistics software and an in-house team coordinate everything from container imports to local distribution, supported by regional centres and partners.

Our assembly work has also developed.

We now supply prefabricated sprinkler pipes produced with dedicated welding equipment and trained technicians, improving accuracy and reducing site work.

We offer kitting and packaging for specific project phases to simplify installation.

Across all these areas, our technical teams remain available to support customers, including the ability to be on site within 24 hours for critical issues.

What trends or client demands are shaping the piping and component supply market today?

One major trend is prefabrication.

Installers face tight schedules, so there is strong demand for components that reduce site work.

Prefabricated sprinkler pipes are now widely adopted for this reason, and clients increasingly prefer integrated solutions from a single supplier.

Digitalisation is another driver.

Customers use BIM and digital procurement tools and expect suppliers to offer compatible data.

We provide Revit BIM files, digital catalogues, order tracking and online communication channels to match these expectations.

Sustainability is shaping purchasing decisions.

Clients in Europe and the Middle East are focusing on the carbon footprint of their supply chains and favour suppliers that manufacture close to the point of use.

Our Romanian facility and wider sustainability strategy respond directly to this demand, supported by durable products that reduce replacement needs.

Higher certification requirements are also influencing the market.

Many projects insist on UL, FM, VdS and CE approvals for reliability.

This is especially true for large developments in the Middle East where UL-listed components are often mandatory.

Finally, immediate availability is increasingly important.

Customers want large inventories, short lead times and strong technical support throughout the project lifecycle.

This has led us to expand stock levels and streamline logistics to meet next-day or same-day requirements whenever possible.

Looking back, what moments stand out as defining milestones in your 20-year journey?

Key milestones include our founding in 2005 by André Saelens and the decision to move from distribution to manufacturing.

Launching our Profit brand and producing the first self-designed coupling were important steps in building our own product identity.

Expanding our portfolio in the 2010s with valves, alarm valves, flexible hoses and supervisory switches widened our capabilities.

Achieving FM, VdS and UL certifications was a major validation and opened access to international projects, including our first large contract in the Middle East.

Operational milestones include establishing our 6,000 m² warehouse in Belgium, which enabled broad next-day delivery, and formalising our 24-hour on-site support.

The opening of our Romanian factory in 2024 marked our first manufacturing site outside Belgium and a significant increase in capacity.

Reaching our 20th anniversary has given us the chance to reflect on these turning points and how they have shaped the company.

What are your priorities around partnerships for the next decade?

Partnerships are central to our strategy.

We want to work more closely with installers and engineering firms from the design stage, especially on prefabrication planning.

In the Middle East we aim to strengthen ties with local distributors and may establish regional service centres or training hubs to support clients.

We will continue collaborating with AquaSecurity and maintain an active role in industry associations.

Developing strong supply-chain relationships and attracting new engineering talent will also be vital.

Our goal for the coming decade is to grow in capability and responsibility while supporting customers with high-quality products and services.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Passion to protect: Reacton Fire Suppression sets 2026 priorities

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

Sam Malins, Chief Executive Officer at Reacton Fire Suppression, breaks down the key developments driving Reacton’s momentum and the priorities set for the year ahead

The world of fire protection often begins with a simple but powerful motivation – a desire to prevent loss before it happens.

For Reacton Fire Suppression, that motivation has become a defining part of its culture and communication: a passion to protect.

The company’s mechanically operated systems are now installed across industries and continents, protecting everything from vehicles and heavy machinery to precision manufacturing equipment.

Over the past year, Reacton has strengthened its UK headquarters, expanded its international footprint and continued to grow its presence in markets including the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.

As the company looks ahead to Intersec Dubai 2026 and the next phase of its global development, it remains guided by the same principle that has shaped its journey from the start – designing reliable fire-suppression systems that work when it matters most.

In this conversation with IFSJ, Sam Malins, Chief Executive Officer at Reacton Fire Suppression, reflects on the past year, discusses current priorities and shares what continues to drive the business forward.

What have the past 12 months involved for Reacton, and what is the company focused on now?

The past 12 months have been about putting a clear sales focus in place and driving growth after several years of concentrating on building our approvals.

We have divided the sales side of the business into two parts, vehicle systems and clean agent systems, because we want the sales cycle to be as straightforward as the products themselves.

On the vehicle side we cover on and off road vehicles and heavy plant.

That includes mining equipment, quarrying equipment, waste and recycling machinery and on road fleets such as busses and military vehicles.

We also protect taxis.

In the UAE alone we protect more than 4500 vehicles, including 3000 busses and 1500 taxis.

That has been a major focus for us.

The clean agent side covers electrical control panels, CNC machines, wind turbines and a wide range of industrial applications where a clean agent is required.

So overall, the year has really been about growth and simplifying the sales structure so customers can reach the right product quickly and easily.

What does Reacton’s passion to protect mean to you personally, and how does it guide the company?

We started Reacton about 15 years ago with a clear intention to protect assets in a commercially viable way.

Fire suppression should be affordable for everyone.

It should not be something where you have to think twice because of the price point, especially when the aim is to protect people and assets around the world.

That thinking has guided us from day one.

We have worked hard to gain approvals while keeping the systems affordable.

We are proud to have the smallest approved dual agent system in the world and the smallest approved powder bus system.

By getting high performance into the smallest possible system, we can offer strong pricing and very high quality.

How do you maintain Reacton’s sense of purpose as the business grows across international markets?

It starts with hiring the right people.

We put a lot of effort into finding people who share our values and are passionate about getting our products out into the world.

Inside Reacton we feel like a family or a friendship group, and that is part of how we work.

When I move through the business that is how it feels, and I think that culture carries through to everything we do.

When we win big contracts to protect large fleets the whole team gets excited.

The excitement comes more from knowing those fleets will be protected properly than from the monetary rewards behind it.

That reinforces the purpose all the time.

It also helps that we have always focused on getting the pricing structure right.

When we win work because the systems perform well and the pricing is fair, that momentum feeds the passion to keep pushing forward.

What steps have strengthened Reacton’s global presence, and which regions are driving the strongest growth?

Reacton is strategically positioned around the world.

Our headquarters are near London, we have facilities in Phoenix, Arizona and a sales office in Dubai.

Being close to customers means we can support them properly, and that is the model we want to expand.

We have also added a representative in India to support that region.

We look at where our competitors are strong on price but weaker on performance, because that is where we know we can make the biggest impact.

From our testing we know our systems perform extremely well, and when you combine that with competitive pricing and strong approvals, we can go in and take market share with confidence.

The major growth areas for us are the United States, the Middle East and India.

We also have projects in Africa, Indonesia and Australia.

We protect the world’s largest open gold mine in Uzbekistan and work very closely with our distributors there.

We have strong relationships with distributors everywhere, and the closer we work with them, the more grounded we are in their markets and the better support we can give to their customers.

How does your expanded UK headquarters and manufacturing base support quality and responsiveness worldwide?

We moved into our 12,000 square foot Essex facility in 2017.

Over the years we added mezzanine after mezzanine until we simply didn’t have the space to expand.

It became much larger than it started, but we eventually outgrew it.

We could not hold enough stock before manufacturing, and once products were manufactured the goods out area was always in the way.

We have now moved to a 36,000 square foot building in Witham, and it is an incredible facility.

It feels like it was designed for us.

We have a separate CNC machine shop, a dedicated manufacturing line and a separate goods out building.

The space gives us room to grow, and I believe it could support six to eight times our current volume.

There is no mezzanine yet, so we could add one and effectively double the floor space.

It also has a large outdoor area for product testing and for managing articulated vehicles and container deliveries.

What trends or challenges are shaping fire suppression demand across transport, construction and manufacturing sectors?

Electrification is the biggest trend.

As more vehicles become electric, it becomes even more important to protect the electrical components.

People ask whether we protect electric vehicles, and the answer is absolutely.

A lot of EV fires start in electrical components outside the battery, so we protect those components to help prevent fire ingress into the battery.

We are seeing strong growth in clean agent systems across the electrified transport sector.

At the same time diesel vehicles will remain in use for many years, and we are seeing countries now demand fire suppression on busses as standard.

That is driving growth as well.

There is also a shift where large global corporations buy smaller operators, and those corporations often mandate fire suppression across all their fleets, which increases uptake.

Another big factor is certification.

We are the only company with a UL direct clean agent system, and that gives customers confidence because it is a very high level of certification for electrical control panels.

What elements of Reacton’s origins or ethos remain central to how you design and refine your systems?

Reacton comes from the heavy plant industry, especially the waste and recycling sector.

From the beginning we had a vision to bring affordability to asset protection because we had our own assets and knew what was needed.

We are very passionate about making sure people do not have to think twice about protecting their equipment.

We also have a circular economy approach through the group.

We own Fireward, our UK distributor, as well as the waste operator, which means we get live feedback straight from the field.

Reacton designs the system, Fireward installs it and the operator provides immediate operational insight.

That creates a fast loop, allowing us to test improvements quickly and refine the products in real conditions.

This has become a core part of how we develop and improve our systems.

What will be Reacton’s main focus at Intersec Dubai 2026 when meeting partners and customers?

We want to keep things simple and showcase the two sides of our product range, the vehicle systems and the clean agent systems.

We also use Intersec as a gathering for our team.

Our representative from India will be there, our colleague from the United States will come over and the UK team will be there, so it is a great way to start the year together.

We really value time with existing customers.

Alongside the stand we have a separate room for the full three days where we will present what 2026 and 2027 will look like for Reacton.

We will run a presentation each day, covering updates and future plans.

It also gives new prospective customers a chance to see everything in one place.

What are Reacton’s priorities for the year ahead, and where do you see the strongest opportunities?

After about a year and a half of focused selling we have seen strong growth.

In 2026 we are looking forward to adding new approvals and products to the range.

These include a new UL approval, an updated AS 5062 approval and approvals for specific regions.

We think this is the right moment to expand that part of the offering and give distributors more certified options for their customers.

We also have new products coming.

One is a heavy duty pneumatic linear detection tube designed for very harsh climates.

We have a new driver indication system coming in early 2026, which brings more features than before.

There are a couple of other products in development that we will talk about later.

Because growth has been strong, 2026 is about adding more products and more approvals to support the next phase.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Safety you can count on: Armstrong Fluid Technology’s modular fire safety approach

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Mike DeMille, Global Offering Manager, Fire Systems at Armstrong Fluid Technology discusses how to enhance protection and reduce costs with prefabricated fire safety solutions

Fire safety systems are a critical safeguard in protecting people, property and business continuity.

At the heart of these systems, fire pumps ensure a reliable water supply and adequate pressure to suppress fires when every second counts.

The performance and dependability of these pumps can make the difference between a controlled incident and catastrophic loss.

For many building owners who haven’t faced a real fire emergency, it can be difficult to see the value in the ongoing investment and maintenance of fire safety systems.

Yet safeguarding occupants doesn’t have to mean committing excessive time and resources.

Containerized fire pump systems offer a practical, efficient alternative.

These pre-engineered units deliver the critical water supply needed for automatic sprinklers and standpipe systems, serving as a vital line of defense for both people and property during emergencies.

Beyond their role in enhancing safety and operational reliability, prefabricated fire pump solutions deliver measurable savings at every stage- from streamlined logistics and simplified installation to reduced operational costs over the system’s lifespan.

The impact of manufacturing and installation

Manufactured in a controlled factory environment and housed within a standard 20ft or 40ft shipping container, these systems are delivered as complete, ready-to-use units- perfectly suited for international shipment.

Their modular, self-contained design ensures not only easy portability but also simplified maintenance, resulting in cost efficiencies across the entire supply chain.

When a project needs change, the units can be quickly removed, relocated and reinstalled, offering exceptional flexibility to meet evolving requirements.

Installation is equally efficient.

By arriving fully assembled, these units can cut installation time by as much as 95%, removing the need for complex on-site construction.

Once delivered, the pump house simply needs to be positioned and connected to the existing sprinkler network—often requiring nothing more than two pipe connections and two power hookups.

In contrast, conventional “stick-built” fire pump systems consist of multiple components sourced from different suppliers, all of which must be assembled on site.

This process can take weeks and typically demands the expertise of at least three certified tradespeople equipped with specialized tools.

It’s clear, then, why containerized fire pump solutions can deliver significant labor cost savings by streamlining both sourcing and installation.

Comparison to traditional systems

Traditional sprinkler systems involve many complex components, making on-site construction inefficient and prone to delays.

Contractors must source, handle and coordinate all materials while ensuring each part meets code and works seamlessly together—a task that often exceeds the expertise of designers and architects.

Mechanical engineering consultants and specialist sprinkler contractors are typically required to ensure all components are correctly sized and meet standards for safety, performance and quality.

Armstrong Fire Pumps ensure that pressurized water is available at sprinkler heads to suppress fires and save lives, providing a reliable backbone for these complex systems.

Fire pumps themselves offer several benefits that make them integral to a robust system: they allow flexibility in mechanical room layout, are available in a wide range of flow and head capacities and come in both electric and diesel options.

Maintenance can be performed without disturbing piping or the driver and the system can be designed without concern for large differences between minimum and maximum water pressure.

However, conventional fire pumps also have drawbacks: they require a large floor space, restrict mechanical room layout due to direction of rotation, involve more components to service and are generally more costly.

Containerized solutions overcome many of these challenges, offering compact, pre-engineered designs that maintain all operational benefits while minimizing the limitations of traditional installations.

Transforming the approach to fire protection

Ensuring proper on-site assembly of traditional fire systems requires highly skilled labour – a requirement that is often overlooked in the Middle East due to cost pressures and shortages, based on my experience with Armstrong Fluid Technology.

Yet when it comes to fire safety, quality and performance cannot be compromised.

This is why factory-built, containerized solutions are ideal.

Prefabricated units are produced using precise engineering drawings that define exact dimensions and connection points, greatly reducing the risk of human error.

When manual testing, servicing or repairs are needed, technicians benefit from convenient access via a dedicated service door.

Additionally, integrated fans and ventilation within the container create a comfortable working environment even during extended maintenance tasks.

At Armstrong Fluid Technology, we’ve seen how containerized fire pump solutions are transforming the way organizations approach fire protection.

Unlike traditional on-site builds, containerized units are fully assembled, tested and certified off-site before delivery, combining all the operational advantages of high-performance fire pumps with the efficiencies of prefabrication.

This was originally published in the December 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

PFAS rules, packaging bans, UK plans – what is changing and when

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionPPESafety

PFAS restriction and ECHA timetable

European Chemicals Agency scientific committees remain on schedule to deliver opinions on the proposed Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) restriction.

An ESG and Sustainability Law and Policy blog published by Squire Patton Boggs reports that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) confirmed on 17 December that its Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) remain on track.

December meetings enabled the adoption of provisional conclusions for the final sectors under assessment, including PFAS manufacturing.

Further meetings scheduled for March 2026 are expected to lead to the adoption of draft opinions.

Following this stage, SEAC will proceed with a 60 day public consultation under the REACH process.

Ahead of the consultation, ECHA has published guidance for respondents and a detailed mapping of PFAS uses identifying the sectors, uses and applications covered by the forthcoming SEAC draft opinion.

The committees have also continued examining horizontal issues relevant to the restriction as a whole, including concentration limits, PFAS management plans, recycling and spare parts, and questions of enforceability and monitorability.

Once both opinions are finalised, ECHA is expected to consolidate them and submit its final package to the European Commission towards the end of 2026.

PFAS packaging ban and national measures

The same blog outlines upcoming EU packaging restrictions alongside developments in France and the UK.

Under Article 5 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the use of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact packaging above specified thresholds will be prohibited once the relevant provisions apply on 12 August 2026.

The European Commission is preparing a Commission Notice intended to support consistent implementation and interpretation of the regulation, including the PFAS restriction.

A leaked version of the Notice clarifies that the ban applies to packaging placed on the market from the date of application, covers both intentional use and non intentional presence such as contamination, and addresses the treatment of existing stocks.

The document also clarifies that no transitional period applies, meaning the prohibition applies regardless of whether PFAS are intentionally added or present as contaminants.

In France, more than 30 local authorities affected by PFAS contamination have called on the national government and Parliament for support.

A joint statement published on 16 December and coordinated by Amaris, the association representing local authorities dealing with industrial pollution and risk management, highlights limits in technical knowledge and financial resources at municipal level.

The statement calls for the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry committee to assess the extent of PFAS pollution and the challenges it creates for local authorities.

Pending such an inquiry, the proposed measures include financial support for municipalities facing restrictions on access to drinking water, full public funding of groundwater and soil remediation, expanded scientific studies, and the deployment of monitoring tools for water, air, soil and public health.

In the United Kingdom, the Environmental Improvement Plan released on 1 December 2025 includes a commitment to take action on PFAS through a new PFAS plan in 2026.

The plan is expected to set out regulatory and non regulatory interventions with specific actions and delivery milestones.

The Environment Agency (EA) is due to provide advice, guidance and tools to support the management of PFAS at contaminated sites on an ongoing basis.

A separate commitment under the plan includes publication in 2026 of a State of Contaminated Land Report.

In 2027, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the EA and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are due to decide whether to implement a UK REACH restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams.

The HSE consultation on this issue remains open until 18 February 2026.

All information for this article is from a blog authored by Thomas Delille, Gerard McElwee, Peter Sellar, Valerio Giovannini and Francesca Puttock.

Fire safety upgrade targets discreet VESDA pipework in leisure and tourism venues

by EvacuationFeatured NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionProducts

Fire safety pipework options for customer-facing venues

Fire Suppression Ltd is offering a new generation of fire safety systems designed to integrate more discreetly into customer-facing environments.

The UK supplier specialises in aspirating smoke detection systems based on VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) technology.

These systems provide early warning by continuously sampling air throughout a structure, often detecting fire before visible smoke or flames appear.

Fire Suppression manufactures its VESDA pipework at its UK facility.

The pipework is available in a range of colours, allowing installations to blend into ceilings and walls.

This design approach is intended for environments such as leisure and tourism venues where visual impact is a consideration.

VESDA use case in large, high-ceiling spaces

According to Fire Suppression, leisure and tourism venues often occupy large, high-ceiling spaces where traditional smoke detectors can struggle to operate effectively.

These environments may also be occupied by large numbers of people, which can extend evacuation times in the event of a fire.

Aspirating smoke detection systems such as VESDA are therefore increasingly used in these sectors to provide early and accurate detection while maximising available evacuation time.

John Martin-Chicharro, Wholesale Manager at Fire Suppression, said: “VESDA represents a significant innovation in early-warning fire safety. However, these systems traditionally use bright pipework that can be visually intrusive in customer-facing environments.

“With our in-house manufacturing capabilities, we can configure systems using alternative pipe colours, enabling leisure and tourism venues to maintain the highest levels of fire safety without compromising visual aesthetics or customer experience”

Martin-Chicharro added: “Early detection is absolutely critical in crowded public environments.

“Aspirating systems give venue operators the confidence to protect people from fire and, with our in-house manufactured pipes, we can also ensure the system’s pipes complement the property’s surroundings too!”

Fire Suppression supports sectors including retail, commercial, industrial, leisure and tourism.

The company works with property managers and fire system installers, providing bespoke system design services and customer support.

Fomtec introduces Enviro NEO fluorine-free foam for high-hazard firefighting

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Enviro NEO and the shift to fluorine-free foams

Fomtec has introduced Enviro NEO, a synthetic fluorine-free firefighting foam developed for use in high-hazard industries including petrochemical, oil and gas and marine applications.

The company said the product is intended for environments where consistent performance is required across different fuels, water qualities and application systems.

Enviro NEO is described as the latest outcome of Fomtec’s Enviro Programme, which the company said is based on thousands of full-scale fire tests.

The product is described as being suitable for use in demanding offshore and petrochemical settings.

Formulation, fuels and application systems

Fomtec said Enviro NEO uses 100% hydrated polymers to avoid issues associated with partially hydrated polymers and unstable viscosity.

The company said this approach is intended to support reliable proportioning and uniform foam performance from initial discharge through to extinguishment.

Enviro NEO is described as being designed for use with fresh, brackish and seawater, making it suitable for coastal, marine and offshore installations.

Fomtec Enviro 3×3 NEO is described as a sixth generation alcohol resistant synthetic fluorine-free firefighting foam concentrate with no intentionally added fluorinated surfactants and polymers (PFAS).

The product information states it is effective on both hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuel fires at a 3% concentration.

Its suppression mechanism is described as using a foam blanket to block oxygen, cooling from the foam’s water content and prevention of re-ignition on extinguished fuel surfaces.

When applied to polar solvents, the product is described as forming a polymeric membrane that enables effective extinguishment, including on foam destroying liquids such as MTBE.

Proportioning, storage and industry context

Fomtec said Fomtec Enviro 3×3 NEO contains no partially or un-hydrated polymers and is not subject to viscosity increase caused by water ingress.

The product information states a 3% proportioning ratio is intended for hydrocarbon fuels and polar solvents, with 0.3% to 1% recommended for Class A fires depending on application method and discharge device.

The foam is described as suitable for low and medium expansion use, including mobile firefighting with foam branchpipes and monitors, as well as fixed systems designed around recommended application rates and durations.

Typical data listed includes a clear yellowish liquid appearance, a specific gravity at 20°C of 1.06 plus or minus 0.02 g/ml, a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 and a freezing point of minus 14.6°C.

The recommended storage temperature is listed as minus 14 to 55°C, with shelf life in excess of 10 years stated for temperate climates when stored in original unbroken packaging.

Fluorine-free foams have become a growing focus across the fire safety sector as operators and asset owners assess the long-term environmental and operational implications of fluorinated substances in firefighting agents.

Fomtec also describes the wider Enviro by Fomtec range as non-PFAS foam concentrates intended for emergency response and system applications across Class A and Class B hazards, including low, medium and high expansion discharge devices.

Enviro NEO is described by the company as having been validated through fire testing standards including EN 1568, UL 162, ICAO, IMO and LASTFIRE.

PVSTOP solar panel block-out system added to Britannia Fire P50 range

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionSafety

What the solar panel hazard means for emergency response

Britannia Fire has launched PVSTOP, a solar panel block-out solution supplied in composite P50 units.

PVSTOP is a liquid coating designed to block light on contact and shut down solar panel power generation during an emergency.

Solar panels generate electricity whenever exposed to light and cannot be switched off during an incident.

This creates a DC electrical hazard that persists regardless of isolator switches, rapid shutdown systems or other electrical controls.

PVSTOP works by blocking light at source to stop power generation on contact.

Partial coverage is intended to break the electrical circuit and render panels electrically safe.

Intended use and material properties

Britannia Fire says the system is intended to allow first responders and maintenance teams to isolate solar panels after a short circuit, storm damage or early signs of smoke or arcing.

PVSTOP is non-flammable, fire-retardant and weatherproof.

It can be applied to wet and dry surfaces.

The coating solidifies and peels away without damaging solar panels.

It can remain in place for up to 12 months.

PVSTOP is water-based and non-toxic, with disposal through general waste.

Verification, units and partner comments

Britannia Fire says PVSTOP is the only solar safety solution to achieve ISO 14034:2016 Environmental Technology Verification, with independent testing confirming effectiveness.

The technology has been operationally validated by London Fire Brigade, Fire Department of New York and Singapore Civil Defence Force.

PVSTOP is available in 6L and 9L composite P50 units that do not require annual servicing.

The composite cylinders are up to 50% lighter than steel models, corrosion resistant and suited to outdoor or coastal solar installations.

Jim Foran, Co-Founder and CEO of PVSTOP International, said: “PVSTOP solves a problem most people don’t know exists.

“Solar panels generate potentially lethal DC electricity when exposed to light, regardless of any switches or shutdown systems.

“Until now, there’s been no practical way to eliminate this hazard at source.

“This partnership with Britannia Fire combines our proven de-energisation technology with their market-leading composite delivery system to provide UK organisations with a genuine safety solution.”

Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director of Britannia Fire, said: “As the UK’s solar industry expands, safety innovation must keep pace.

“The partnership with PVSTOP International demonstrates Britannia Fire’s commitment to innovation and protecting people, property and the environment.

“Our composite units are popular with customers because they’re lightweight, easy to handle and require minimal maintenance.

“The addition of PVSTOP strengthens the P50 product range and provides a solar safety solution for public and private sector sites.”

The companies framed the product as a way to address electrical hazards linked to live solar panels during incidents.

Millars Pumps named exclusive UK distributor for Idroelettrica fire pumps

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Millars Pumps launches UK distribution partnership

Millars Pumps has launched as a specialist UK company and will act as the exclusive distributor of Idroelettrica Spa fire pumps and controllers for the UK fire protection market.

The company said fire protection contractors, installers and engineers will be able to access Idroelettrica Spa equipment through a UK-based team.

The launch includes a range of fire pump and controller options intended for sprinkler, water mist and hydrant system projects.

Millars Pumps focus on fire protection projects

Millars Pumps said it is responding to demand for fire pump solutions across new-build and retrofit work in the UK.

The company linked this demand to stricter fire safety standards and planning requirements.

It added that commercial sites and high-rise residential buildings are upgrading or installing systems that require compliant fire pump equipment.

Millars Pumps said it will support contractors and specifiers with compliant, reliable and space-efficient equipment.

Idroelettrica equipment range and standards

Millars Pumps said Idroelettrica Spa manufactures fire pump-set and pump-house equipment.

It added that Idroelettrica Spa provides end suction, split case, vertical turbine and submersible pumps alongside associated equipment.

Millars Pumps said the manufacturer offers bespoke options designed to meet international, European and British industry standards including FM, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), EN and BS.

The company also referenced expanded manufacturing and in-house testing facilities in Modena as part of Idroelettrica Spa’s production capability.

Firebox pre-fabricated pump room offer

Millars Pumps said it will introduce Firebox, described as Idroelettrica Spa’s pre-fabricated pump room designed to arrive complete and ready to install.

The company described Firebox as an alternative to building a traditional pump house.

Millars Pumps said Firebox is customisable to client specifications and space requirements.

It added that the design allows all sides to open for 360° access for maintenance, inspection or future upgrades.

Giovanni Vaccari on UK customer support

Giovanni Vaccari, Sales Export Manager at Idroelettrica Spa, commented: “The launch of Millars Pumps in the UK is exciting news for any company looking to install or upgrade fire pumps for sprinkler or water mist fire protection systems.

“Our wide range of fire pump solutions, such as Firebox, are designed to be long-lasting, convenient to install and easy to maintain.

“The combined expertise of Millars Pumps and Idroelettrica will ensure UK customers are fully supported at every stage of the process, from specification through to delivery, installation and maintenance.”